Choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces may be a difficult decision to make. And therefore, it is very important to research and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of both Invisalign and traditional braces in order to make a prudent decision. However, you should also understand that the type of treatment most suitable for you may also depend on your problem. Braces, which are usually made of metals, get attached to the outside of your teeth and are visible. However, Invisalign uses transparent plastic, which is customized using a 3-D scan of the patient’s mouth.
According to a dentist in Burlingame, CA, the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces:
- They look better than traditional braces as they are virtually invisible. When you go for traditional braces, they don’t just look a little weird but also don’t go along with your overall personality. This can make you self-conscious, and here, Invisalign comes to the rescue.
- When you want to eat something that is hard and sticky, you have to keep wearing your traditional braces. However, it is advised that Invisalign should be worn for 20 hours every day, and therefore, when you are eating, you can take them off.
- Invisalign aligners don’t only make your eating and drinking easier, but they can also be taken out while brushing your teeth.
- Traditional braces may get loose or may require some cleaning with time. But Invisalign, which is made after taking a 3-D scan of your teeth, doesn’t require many visits to an orthodontist for adjustments.
- It may not be a very comfortable experience to move your teeth wearing either Invisalign or traditional braces. However, Invisalign does not cause various mouth or gum problems, unlike traditional braces. Because they are made of transparent plastic, they do not cause infection, cuts on the cheeks, etc.
- Every dentist advises that one should brush their teeth after every meal, and hence when you are wearing traditional braces, they may require more time to clean in comparison to Invisalign. Many types of research have shown that people who wear Invisalign experience fewer cavities, tooth decay, and gum problems. However, even Invisalign can develop bacteria and calcium buildup, and therefore, it is important to wash your Invisalign trays after every meal.
There are various factors, along with cost, efficacy, and severity of your circumstance, that can play a crucial role while you make a decision. Therefore, you need to take it slow and talk it over with the dentist to make a pleasant viable choice.